EXHIBIT 99.1
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P R E S S   R E L E A S E
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Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (ticker: RL, exchange: New York Stock
Exchange (.N)) News Release - 8/15/06

   POLO RALPH LAUREN BOARD AUTHORIZES $250 MILLION STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2006--Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:
RL)  announced  today that the Company's  Board of Directors has  authorized a
$250 million stock repurchase program.

The program  permits the Company to  repurchase  $250 million of its shares of
Class A Common Stock,  subject to market  conditions.  As part of a previously
authorized stock repurchase  program,  the Company is also currently permitted
to purchase  approximately  an additional $32 million of its shares of Class A
Common Stock, subject to market conditions.

Shares  acquired  under the  repurchase  program  will be held in treasury for
future use.  Polo will finance the share  repurchases  using its cash and bank
credit facilities.

Polo  Ralph  Lauren  Corporation  is a leader  in the  design,  marketing  and
distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories:  apparel, home,
accessories  and  fragrances.  For more than 38 years,  Polo's  reputation and
distinctive image have been consistently  developed across an expanding number
of products,  brands and  international  markets.  The Company's  brand names,
which include "Polo by Ralph  Lauren",  "Ralph  Lauren Purple  Label",  "Ralph
Lauren",  "Black Label", "Blue Label",  "Lauren by Ralph Lauren",  "Polo Jeans
Co.", "RRL", "RLX",  "Rugby",  "RL Childrenswear",  "Chaps", and "Club Monaco"
among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of
consumer brands. For more information, go to http://investor.polo.com.

CONTACT: for Polo
Nancy Murray, 212-813-7862

SOURCE: Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation